A Ramsey resident is hoping to start a community project to create a Manx version of the Uffington White Horse and Long Man of Wilmington hill figures.

Bryan Callister, aged 70, has long had a great view of North Barrule from his house in Ramsey.

However he thinks something could be added to turn the heads of those living in - and visiting - the north of the island.

The retired builder says he will be submitting planning permission this week for a 100ft Three Legs of Man emblem to be made on the upper slopes of the hill.

He said: ’Directly below the summit lie hundreds of flat stones.

’If they were rearranged they could be laid on the ground to create a large sculpture of a Three Legs of Man.

’As they are already up there they blend in with the hillside so they would have to be painted white or red to be visible from the northern plain.

’It would have to be set out to scale and would be done by like-minded people in a voluntary capacity, like rugby clubs, young farmers and any other energetic volunteers.’

Mr Callister believes the hill sculpture would not only be a ’tourist novelty’, but will encourage residents to ’get off their backsides’ by exploring the site where they can also ’enjoy the views over the whole north of the island’.

Passion

The proposed sculpture would appear parallel to a stile he has already made on a stone wall between Guthries and Joeys on the mountain section of the TT course, which is coming out of Ramsey.

He has specially chosen this spot after walking ’many different routes’ which has led to him discovering a ravine that is the ’shortest and easiest route’ for people to reach the summit of North Barrule.

Mr Callister explained that he has received a positive response to his idea from architects and was encouraged to send in a detailed proposal when speaking to those at the planning applications service.

He added: ’Obviously some folk will think I’ve lost the plot, but it’s only an idea which I think is achievable and it’s for our future generations to enjoy and feel very proud to be Manx.’

He says that even if the idea was to ’fall flat’ talking about it may ’inspire people to get out in the fresh air and walk up a wonderful mountain’.

’So not all will be lost,’ he said.

Mr Callister’s appreciation of North Barrule began long ago.

He said: ’My childhood was in Maughold at the base of Barrule, so many trips were done in my first 18 years.

’However, my passion grew when I bought a home in Spain in 2003 - again on the base of a mountain - five kilometres above Benidorm.

’It is totally different as it’s dry, warm and has unbelievable views 20 miles each way.’